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USDA RD Grant Assists Scott and Cocke Counties with the Purchase of New Equipment

Name
Sherri McCarter
Email
sherri.mccarter@tn.usda.gov
Phone
(615) 783-1300
City
Knoxville
Release Date

USDA Rural Development State Director Bobby Goode today announced multiple Community Facilities Grant projects in two East Tennessee counties. Rural Development funds will be used to assist law enforcement and a volunteer fire department with the purchase of much needed equipment.

“The purchase of the new equipment will enable the justice center and fire department to better serve the residents of Scott and Cocke counties,” Goode said. “It is vital that our rural communities have the most up-to-date equipment to ensure the safety of each citizen.”

The two community facility project recipients announced and their respective counties are:

  • Scott County Justice Center, Scott County

  • Cosby Volunteer Fire Department, Cocke Count

Scott County received a $39,710 grant to purchase security equipment for the Justice Center located in Huntsville, Tenn.

U.S. Rep. Phil Roe and Cocke County Mayor Crystal Ottinger also joined Goode Thursday to celebrate a $36,800 loan and $43,000 grant for the Cosby Volunteer Fire Department to replace outdated fire trucks.

Scott and Cocke Counties are two of 53 counties in Tennessee designated for support under USDA’s StrikeForce for Rural Growth and Opportunity initiative, which aims to increase investments in rural communities through intensive outreach and strong partnerships with community leaders, businesses, foundations and other groups that are working to combat persistent poverty.

USDA Rural Development is moving investments to rural America with housing, business and infrastructure loans and grants to create jobs and strengthen rural economies with an emphasis to assist areas of persistent poverty.  Since 2009, the agency has assisted more than 1.5 million Tennessee families and businesses in 230 communities in all 95 counties of Tennessee, investing more than $6.6 billion through affordable loans, loan guarantees, and grants.

For more information on USDA Rural Development programs available in East Tennessee contact the Knoxville Area Office at 865-523-3338 x 4. Visit us online at www.rd.usda.gov/TN.